Chicago Cubs’ Non-Roster Invitations to Spring Training Have Gone Out
Filed under: Chicago Cubs News, Chicago Cubs Transactions, Cubs Minor Leagues and Prospects
The Chicago Cubs have finalized their non-roster (i.e., not on the 40-man roster) invitee list for this year’s Spring Training. The list is an even mix of career minor leaguers who are getting a shot, and Cubs prospects who are, well, getting the same.
Pitchers: [Andrew] Cashner, J.R. Mathes, James Russell, Casey Coleman, Thomas Diamond, Jeff Kennard, and Vince Perkins.
Catchers: Robinson Chirinos, Steve Clevenger, Blake Lalli, and Chris Robinson
Infielders: [Josh] Vitters, Darwin Barney, Matt Camp, Starlin Castro, Bryan LaHair, and Bobby Scales.
Outfielders: [Brett] Jackson and Brad Snyder. Muskat Ramblings.
Believe it or not, many of these players have a legitimate shot of making the team out of Spring Training. Just look at Bobby Scales, who contributed to the Cubs last year. And then, um, is right back where he started.
There figures to be at least one bullpen spot that could be theoretically snatched by a stellar effort. Each of the catchers will be battling for a chance to unseat Koyie Hill as Geovany Soto’s backup. The Cubs are obviously going to give Castro a very close look, though he’s not likely to make it up to the big club until later in the year, if at all in 2010. LaHair and Snyder will have a very good shot to make the Cubs’ bench if they look like they could provide more value than Micah Hoffpauir.
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I main concern is that they dont try to bring Castro too fast. The kid has alot of potental and I dont want to see fail because he was moved up too fast. The reason I am concerned is they didnt make move or take a look a 2nd base. So I am worried they were keeping a spot open for Castro. What do u think?
Definitely a fair concern. Rushing youngsters is rarely a good strategy, and it’s hard to believe the Cubs will bring Castro up to the bigs after he’s only played a handful of games above A-ball. Also, it’s possible the Cubs really are satisfied with a Fontenot/Baker platoon at second base for this year.